Best Oldie But Goodie

Radio DJ Tony Booth

Critics' Pick

Tony Booth, celebrating 50 years behind the mic this year, commands the afternoon slot on Big Oldies 107.3, pumping out everything from the Shangri-Las to Sade. He’s also been moonlighting lately as a music professor. Since this is the dude who loves to tell you the stories behind the songs (were you aware that the Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin” was a flop upon first release?), it makes perfect sense. He’s slated to give a free lecture on the early days of rock ’n’ roll — and he was there, after all — at the University of Richmond on June 5. Sometimes the oldies just sound old. But this seasoned jock makes those vintage hits sound as fresh as a newly minted piece of vinyl. Speaking of which, don’t forget to tune in at 3:45 every afternoon for Tony’s “Forgotten 45.”